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Examples of Humility in the Bible – Viral Believer
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Examples of Humility in the Bible

Humility is a virtue that is emphasized throughout the Bible. God calls us to walk in humility, considering others before ourselves (Philippians 2:3). When we humble ourselves before God and others, He will exalt us (James 4:10). Here are some key examples of humility demonstrated by biblical figures.

Introduction

Humility does not come naturally to most of us. Our human tendencies lean towards pride and self-exaltation. However, Scripture makes it clear that God desires humility from His people. Those who humble themselves before Him will receive grace and honor (1 Peter 5:5-6).

Humility is not the same as low self-esteem or self-deprecation. True humility involves an accurate view of oneself before God and others. It is acknowledging our weaknesses and limitations, not asserting our own importance. The humble person depends fully on God rather than his or her own strength.

Here are some key takeaways on humility from the Bible:

  • Humility involves lowering ourselves and elevating others
  • God gives grace to the humble (Proverbs 3:34)
  • The reward for humility is honor and exaltation from God (Luke 14:11)
  • Jesus Christ epitomized humility by taking on the form of a servant (Philippians 2:5-8)
  • We are called to emulate Christ’s humility in our relationships (Ephesians 5:21)
  • Humility involves acknowledging our dependence on God (2 Chronicles 7:14)
  • God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6)

The rest of this article will examine humility demonstrated by several biblical figures. Their examples provide us with models to follow as we seek to grow in humility before God and others.

Moses

One of the first examples of great humility in the Bible is Moses. In Numbers 12:3, God Himself affirms that Moses was “very humble, more than all men who were on the face of the earth.” This is an incredible commendation coming from the LORD directly.

Moses’ humility is first displayed when God appears to him in the burning bush and calls him to deliver the Israelites out of Egypt (Exodus 3). Despite the enormity of the task, Moses acknowledges his weakness and inability. He tells God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh, and that I should bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?” (Exodus 3:11). Rather than jumping at the opportunity to be the savior of Israel, Moses recognizes his lowliness and insufficiency for the task.

Later, when Moses comes down from Mount Sinai with the Ten Commandments and finds the people worshiping the golden calf, he intercedes on their behalf.

He pleads with God not to destroy them, even offering to have his own name blotted out of God’s book (Exodus 32:30-32). Moses places the wellbeing of the people above himself, demonstrating great humility and self-sacrifice.

Finally, when Moses’ siblings Miriam and Aaron criticize his leadership, he does not defend himself but remains silent (Numbers 12:3). Moses trusts God to vindicate him rather than asserting his own importance. His refusal to justify himself in the face of criticism is a mark of true humility.

David

Another prominent example of humility in the Old Testament is King David. David was chosen and anointed by God to become king of Israel as a young shepherd boy. He could have easily become prideful in his position, but instead he maintained a heart of humility before God.

This is evidenced in David’s repentance when the prophet Nathan confronts him about his adultery with Bathsheba and murder of Uriah.

Rather than denying his sin or shifting blame, David simply acknowledges, “I have sinned against the Lord” (2 Samuel 12:13). He makes no excuses for his grievous failures. David’s willingness to repent without justification is a display of humility.

Later in 2 Samuel 24, David foolishly commands a census to be taken among the Israelites, which displeases God. After judgement falls on the people for David’s pride, he acknowledges his guilt and tells God, “I have sinned greatly in what I have done” (v. 10). Once again David humbles himself, admitting the foolishness of his actions.

In the midst of success, David submits himself fully to God’s will. The Psalms are filled with verses demonstrating David’s humility before the LORD (see Psalm 131). Though he stumbles at times, he continually returns to a posture of humility before God.

Esther

In the book of Esther, we find a young Jewish girl demonstrating profound humility as she is elevated to the position of queen of Persia.

When Esther is taken to the palace of King Ahasuerus, she does not demand special treatment but submits to the advice of her cousin Mordecai (Esther 2:15). She refuses to flaunt her beauty and status, choosing humility instead.

Later, when the Jewish people face genocide at the hands of Haman, Esther risks her life to save her people. She tells Mordecai, “Go, gather all the Jews…and fast for me; neither eat nor drink for three days, night or day…My maids and I will fast likewise. And so I will go to the king, which is against the law; and if I perish, I perish!” (Esther 4:16).

Esther exemplifies humility by placing the lives of her people over her own comfort and safety. She undertakes a risky plan for the benefit of others.

At the banquet with King Ahasuerus and Haman, Esther humbly appeals to the king rather than demanding Haman’s execution outright.

She simply says, “If I have found favor in your sight, O king…let my life be given me at my petition, and my people at my request” (Esther 7:3). Esther’s careful, humble appeal leads to the deliverance of her people from destruction.

John the Baptist

The New Testament also contains many examples of humility, including John the Baptist. John had every reason to be prideful as the prophesied forerunner of the Messiah and a preacher who captivated all Judea with his message (Mark 1:4-5). Yet John maintained an incredible degree of humility.

When questioned if he was the Christ, John immediately deflected attention from himself, saying “I am not the Christ” (John 1:20).

Later, when Jesus began baptizing people, John’s own disciples were troubled. But John showed no jealousy, asserting once again that he was not the Christ but merely the preparer of the way (John 3:28-30).

Most remarkably, when Jesus comes to be baptized by John, John objects saying he is unworthy to baptize the Lord. He says to Jesus, “I need to be baptized by you, and are you coming to me?” (Matthew 3:13-14).

Despite his prophetic identity and popularity, John did not consider himself worthy even to do the task of a servant and untie Jesus’ sandals (John 1:27). John provides an excellent example of deflecting all glory to Christ alone.

Mary, Mother of Jesus

Mary, the mother of Jesus, responds in incredible humility when she is told she will bear the Son of God. In Luke 1:38, after the angel Gabriel tells her of God’s plan, Mary simply replies, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.”

She does not respond with pride at the honor bestowed on her, but humility in submitting to the will of God.

Mary’s humility is also evidenced in the Magnificat, her beautiful song of praise to God after receiving news that she will bear the Messiah:

“My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior…For He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant…For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed. For He who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is His name” (Luke 1:46-49).

Despite her exalted role as the mother of the Savior, Mary acknowledges her lowly position and declares that God alone has done great things for her. She magnifies the Lord rather than herself. Mary’s example of humility in the face of great honor is one we should all seek to imitate.

Jesus Washing Disciples’ Feet

Of course, the greatest demonstration of humility in the Bible is seen in Jesus Christ Himself. Though He was God in the flesh, Jesus did not demand honor or esteem. Rather, He continually humbled Himself to serve others.

One powerful example of this is when Jesus washes His disciples feet in John 13:1-17. Washing feet was a task reserved for the lowest servant, yet Jesus willingly takes towel and basin to cleanse His disciples dirty feet. As He says to them,

“You call Me Teacher and Lord, and you say well, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you” (John 13:13-15).

Jesus, the Lord of all, humbled Himself to perform the most menial task, showing His disciples that true greatness comes from serving others in humility. This profound act of humility by Christ should be the guiding example for all believers.

Paul

After his conversion, the apostle Paul sought to emulate the humility of Christ in his own life. Though he had an impeccable Hebrew pedigree and advanced education under Gamaliel, Paul counted all his achievements as nothing compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ (Philippians 3:4-11).

He viewed himself as the chief of sinners and least of the apostles, unworthy to even be called an apostle after persecuting the church (1 Corinthians 15:9, 1 Timothy 1:15).

Paul’s letters are filled with admonitions toward humility. To the church at Philippi, he instructs:

“Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others” (Philippians 2:3-4).

To the Romans, Paul writes: “Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another…Be of the same mind toward one another.

Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble” (Romans 12:10,16). Paul was so impacted by Christ’s example of humility that he called every believer to emulate the same attitude.

Conclusion

Throughout Scripture, we find example after example that God blesses and honors the humble. When we lower ourselves to elevate others, we follow Christ’s model of servant leadership. Our world prizes assertiveness, self-promotion, and pride. But as believers our calling is walk the humble path that leads to exaltation by God.

May we meditate on the humility displayed by Moses, David, Esther, John the Baptist, Mary, Jesus, Paul, and others in the Bible. And may their examples inspire us to humble ourselves before God and others for His glory.

Pastor Duke Taber
Pastor Duke Taber

Pastor Duke Taber

All articles have been written or reviewed by Pastor Duke Taber.
Pastor Duke Taber is an alumnus of Life Pacific University and Multnomah Biblical Seminary.
He has been in pastoral ministry since 1988.
Today he is the owner and managing editor of 3 successful Christian websites that support missionaries around the world.
He is currently starting a brand new church in Mesquite NV called Mesquite Worship Center, a Non-Denominational Spirit Filled Christian church in Mesquite Nevada.